After a seven-year hiatus, Gibson reintroduced the original single-cut Les Paul body style in 1968 to an enthusiastic reception. With the creation of the Original Collection in 2019, Gibson stepped back to their roots to bring back the classic designs of the '50s and '60s. This '60s Original Les Paul Standard is a very special one, being graced with the desirable, limited-availability Tri-Burst finish which was originally only on the 1968 Les Paul Custom.

Built in classic style

While it was originally meant for a Custom, this iconic Tri-Burst nitro lacquer finish is absolutely spectacular, enhancing the AA figured maple top on this Standard's traditional Les Paul construction. The solid mahogany body brings warm tone and excellent sustain to the game. The fast, comfortable SlimTaper profile on the mahogany neck has always been one of Gibson's most popular, and a smooth rosewood fingerboard with medium jumbo frets is a joy to play.

Tones meant to summon classic vibe

Gibson has worked hard to make sure this instrument has the sound, as well as the feel, of the original 1960's guitars. The Original '60s Les Paul Standard's custom, voice-matched Alnico V BurstBucker pickups provide the perfect tones for classic rock and blues. Hand-wired electronics with Orange Drop capacitors were the standard of excellence in the '60s and are replicated here, as well.

Classic hardware for classic looks

The Original '60s LP Standard is dressed out with the traditional nickel-plated hardware, starting with the bridge. The ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge was originally developed by legendary Gibson president, Ted McCarty, and remains one of the most popular and widely used bridge designs in the world of electric guitars. In combination with the lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece, it ensures great sustain and accurate intonation. The tuning keys are Grover Rotomatics with the traditional "Kidney" buttons. A custom order upgrade, starting in 1959, Rotomatics were one of the first high-ratio, sealed tuning machines on the market and their smooth, precise action made them immensely popular.

All of Gibson's Original Collection are great guitars that summon the traditions of fine luthiery and design the Gibson name has carried throughout its history. That, in and of itself, would be enough to make this a guitar you want to own. On this instrument, though, you not only get all that, but a rare finish, usually reserved for the Les Paul Custom, that's being recreated with extremely limited availability on this '60s Original Les Paul Standard. If you love both history and fine guitar-making, this is one that will be difficult to pass up.